Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul-Gheit highlighted Saturday the importance of rescuing Lebanon and working on helping return the Middle East peace process back on track.

In statements on the sidelines of the Arab foreign ministers' meeting in Cairo, Abul-Gheit said Egypt supports all pro-peace Arab, Islamic or international efforts.

He warned against the consequences of further deterioration in the Middle East, calling on all parties to exercise self-restraint and telling Israel that its use of excessive force would inflame Arab feelings.